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Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish Your Soul and Nurture Your Family throughout the Year
What does it look like to live a flourishing, messy, wonderful life together ?
As parents, we’re tasked with nurturing and guiding our children, even as we navigate our own wonderings about faith. In the overwhelm and constant demands of life, is it possible to tend to our own souls and to our family’s flourishing?
With tender curiosity and contemplative wisdom, Every Season Sacred is a weekly invitation to grow spiritually alongside our children. Blending thoughtful musings and practical resources, author Kayla Craig meets parents right where they are, offering Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers―and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith.
As you parent your children and explore your questions together, may God reveal sacred moments to you―in each season of your life.
As parents, we’re tasked with nurturing and guiding our children, even as we navigate our own wonderings about faith. In the overwhelm and constant demands of life, is it possible to tend to our own souls and to our family’s flourishing?
With tender curiosity and contemplative wisdom, Every Season Sacred is a weekly invitation to grow spiritually alongside our children. Blending thoughtful musings and practical resources, author Kayla Craig meets parents right where they are, offering Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers―and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith.
As you parent your children and explore your questions together, may God reveal sacred moments to you―in each season of your life.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2023
145 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Kayla Craig
4 books95 followersKayla is a former journalist who brings deep curiosity and care to her writing. She’s the author of To Light Their Way. With a poetic, prophetic voice, she created the popular Liturgies for Parents Instagram account, which Christianity Today named an “essential parenting resource.”
She also hosts the Liturgies for Parents podcast. Kayla’s nuanced and accessible reflections, essays, and prayers are featured in various books, devotionals, and bible studies.
Kayla lives in a 115-year-old former convent in her Iowa hometown, where she hopes to create spaces of welcome alongside her four children, two dogs, and pastor-husband Jonny.
She also hosts the Liturgies for Parents podcast. Kayla’s nuanced and accessible reflections, essays, and prayers are featured in various books, devotionals, and bible studies.
Kayla lives in a 115-year-old former convent in her Iowa hometown, where she hopes to create spaces of welcome alongside her four children, two dogs, and pastor-husband Jonny.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 20, 2024
Every Season Sacred follows To Light Their Way with weekly reflections, Scripture readings, and discussion questions (and some prayers, liturgies, and exercises) for families. The reflections are for parents to read (older kids might enjoy hearing them too). As someone who grew up in 90s evangelicalism, I appreciated that the questions are focused on talking about the Scripture passage and God himself, not focused on moralism (though some questions are intended to provoke thoughtful action). There are prayers for older and younger children at the end of each section. The focus is mostly on the four seasons, though church celebrations are included too (the book starts with fall, making it a good choice to begin with the start of the academic year). There are lots of resources out there for family worship, and this is a good one.
September 4, 2023
"May Jesus be in the pain. May Jesus be in the joy. May Jesus be in every season, every story of our lives."
This is a book you keep forever. The pages will eventually be worn soft from use as you return to it again and again for encouragement and to be centered on the Lord. Keep it close.
Craig encourages us to be active peacemakers, and to teach our children this too. "The most important thing about you is you are a beloved child of God," she reminds hers regularly.
The format of this book is great: a reflection followed by a breath prayer, family discussion questions, and short prayers with versions for younger and older kids. She weaves additional riches throughout—music suggestions, traditional prayers of the church, and historical church practices like Examen and Lectio Divina. The appendices include daily prayers for morning, midday, evening and bedtime; and family prayer prompts.
There are wonderful reminders herein on how to hear the breath of God even in the wild moments of family life. She covers hospitality, safety, control, overwhelm, special needs and disability, sweet cozy world-changing Advent, gentle contemplative fasting in Lent, interruptions, neighborliness, freedom in Christ, memory, and more.
Highly recommended and may we all be encouraged to remember the sacred in every season of the year and of our lives.
{I received an early electronic copy to review.}
This is a book you keep forever. The pages will eventually be worn soft from use as you return to it again and again for encouragement and to be centered on the Lord. Keep it close.
Craig encourages us to be active peacemakers, and to teach our children this too. "The most important thing about you is you are a beloved child of God," she reminds hers regularly.
The format of this book is great: a reflection followed by a breath prayer, family discussion questions, and short prayers with versions for younger and older kids. She weaves additional riches throughout—music suggestions, traditional prayers of the church, and historical church practices like Examen and Lectio Divina. The appendices include daily prayers for morning, midday, evening and bedtime; and family prayer prompts.
There are wonderful reminders herein on how to hear the breath of God even in the wild moments of family life. She covers hospitality, safety, control, overwhelm, special needs and disability, sweet cozy world-changing Advent, gentle contemplative fasting in Lent, interruptions, neighborliness, freedom in Christ, memory, and more.
Highly recommended and may we all be encouraged to remember the sacred in every season of the year and of our lives.
{I received an early electronic copy to review.}
September 17, 2023
There's a lot to like about this book. It's segmented into seasons, and the rhythms of the writing really do fit with the seasons they are written in.
It also has a wealth of options in terms of what you might be looking for. There are reflections and prayers for parents, prayers for kids broken up into differing age groups, questions to ponder with your kids, etc. You name it and Craig has you covered. In that way, it's like a lovely buffet where you can take what you need that day and then revisit the rest another day.
I know I'll return to this one both as a parent and as someone who works in children's ministry.
(Received an early e-copy of this book to provide honest review)
It also has a wealth of options in terms of what you might be looking for. There are reflections and prayers for parents, prayers for kids broken up into differing age groups, questions to ponder with your kids, etc. You name it and Craig has you covered. In that way, it's like a lovely buffet where you can take what you need that day and then revisit the rest another day.
I know I'll return to this one both as a parent and as someone who works in children's ministry.
(Received an early e-copy of this book to provide honest review)
August 27, 2023
A Must Have for Families
Kayla Craig given a beautiful analogy by comparing the parenting of their children going in and out of seasons. Their babies turning into big kids; big kids turning into teens, and spending their years journeying through a cycle of four distinct weather seasons with their children. The same can be used to mark the passage of time, because just as nature follows the rhythm of autumn fading into winter, winter bursting into spring, spring breaking forth into summer, and summer easing into autumn, she states that we also transition through different ages and stages as families.
She explains that seasonal structure plays an essential role in the Christian calendar as well, because the church calendar (also known as the liturgical year) helps believers journey through a cycle of seasons that reflect on the life of Jesus, such as His birth (Advent/ Christmas), death (Lent/ Holy Week), and resurrection (Easter).
With the discussion of season, Kayla provides a collection of spiritual reflections, prayers, and prompts in this book. She splits this book into four sections, or should I say "Seasons" as she refer to them. They are:
• Fall
• Winter
• Spring
• Summer
The author further break each section into thirteen weekly chapters, one for every week of the year, and at the beginning of each section, you’ll find a reflection and a prayer for the season. The prayers include themes from liturgical seasons and holy days on the Christian calendar to accompany you in your spiritual formation. (For example, in “Winter,” you’ll discover Advent and Christmas reflections and prayers ; in “Spring,” you’ll find meditations on Lent and Easter.) The explorations in each season cover a wide range of what makes up your days. In “Fall,” you’ll find themes such as fresh beginnings , letting go, and embracing mystery; in “Winter,” topics include fostering generosity, working through loneliness , and making memories; in “Spring,” you’ll reflect on learning to play, becoming new, and choosing to forgive; in “Summer,” we’ll cover embracing boredom, redefining freedom, and growing despite distractions.
Each short chapter includes two parts: one for you to read alone and one to share with your family. The weekly reflections are intended specifically for you— musings for your parenting journey as you reclaim your identity as a beloved child of God. This section is followed by spiritual conversation prompts and communal prayers, which are meant to be shared with your family.
This is a great book that can be used to strengthen and bring your family closer to God. I truly love it and waiting to purchase a copy for my son and his family.
Highly recommend.
Kayla Craig given a beautiful analogy by comparing the parenting of their children going in and out of seasons. Their babies turning into big kids; big kids turning into teens, and spending their years journeying through a cycle of four distinct weather seasons with their children. The same can be used to mark the passage of time, because just as nature follows the rhythm of autumn fading into winter, winter bursting into spring, spring breaking forth into summer, and summer easing into autumn, she states that we also transition through different ages and stages as families.
She explains that seasonal structure plays an essential role in the Christian calendar as well, because the church calendar (also known as the liturgical year) helps believers journey through a cycle of seasons that reflect on the life of Jesus, such as His birth (Advent/ Christmas), death (Lent/ Holy Week), and resurrection (Easter).
With the discussion of season, Kayla provides a collection of spiritual reflections, prayers, and prompts in this book. She splits this book into four sections, or should I say "Seasons" as she refer to them. They are:
• Fall
• Winter
• Spring
• Summer
The author further break each section into thirteen weekly chapters, one for every week of the year, and at the beginning of each section, you’ll find a reflection and a prayer for the season. The prayers include themes from liturgical seasons and holy days on the Christian calendar to accompany you in your spiritual formation. (For example, in “Winter,” you’ll discover Advent and Christmas reflections and prayers ; in “Spring,” you’ll find meditations on Lent and Easter.) The explorations in each season cover a wide range of what makes up your days. In “Fall,” you’ll find themes such as fresh beginnings , letting go, and embracing mystery; in “Winter,” topics include fostering generosity, working through loneliness , and making memories; in “Spring,” you’ll reflect on learning to play, becoming new, and choosing to forgive; in “Summer,” we’ll cover embracing boredom, redefining freedom, and growing despite distractions.
Each short chapter includes two parts: one for you to read alone and one to share with your family. The weekly reflections are intended specifically for you— musings for your parenting journey as you reclaim your identity as a beloved child of God. This section is followed by spiritual conversation prompts and communal prayers, which are meant to be shared with your family.
This is a great book that can be used to strengthen and bring your family closer to God. I truly love it and waiting to purchase a copy for my son and his family.
Highly recommend.
September 15, 2023
Every Season Sacred is a beautiful read. As I read the book I kept thinking how I wished when my kids were younger I had a book like this to help me pray as a mom and to help with praying with my kids. No matter how old your kids are this book is a must read. The prayers are honest, heartfelt, beautiful and soothing.
I especially love the discussion question prompts. The questions are not complicated and they will for sure get your family to join in the discussion. The questions work well for teens as well who we sometimes think do not want to talk. But the way this book is set up it makes for a dialogue that will not be forced nor fake.
Every Season Sacred is good for all families. You do not need to be bible scholar and know all the Bible verses and even if you do this book is a good read. This book spotlights the seasons of parenting and how we can have joy and be hopefilled even on the tough days.
A great book to gift to busy families or to anyone who is praying for families they know.
As Kayla Craig says in the book : When you're looking back, everything feels more in focus (and more glorious).
Parenting in the moment is not always in focus or glorious but having a refreshing book that does not make you feel like you're failing at parenting is a must need to add to your bookshelves.
I especially love the discussion question prompts. The questions are not complicated and they will for sure get your family to join in the discussion. The questions work well for teens as well who we sometimes think do not want to talk. But the way this book is set up it makes for a dialogue that will not be forced nor fake.
Every Season Sacred is good for all families. You do not need to be bible scholar and know all the Bible verses and even if you do this book is a good read. This book spotlights the seasons of parenting and how we can have joy and be hopefilled even on the tough days.
A great book to gift to busy families or to anyone who is praying for families they know.
As Kayla Craig says in the book : When you're looking back, everything feels more in focus (and more glorious).
Parenting in the moment is not always in focus or glorious but having a refreshing book that does not make you feel like you're failing at parenting is a must need to add to your bookshelves.
September 8, 2023
Throughout Every Season Sacred, Kayla invites readers to reconsider the mundane moments of their life and to find the sacred woven into every aspect of their days. With personal reflections and powerful prayers, Kayla has crafted a resource for anyone who is hoping to know God in a deeper way. While this book is perfect for families with kids of all ages (there are prayers in every section for younger kids and older kids—how unique is that?!) it can also be a resource for single people, empty nesters, and everyone in between.
In Every Season Sacred readers are invited to journey through the seasons of the year with intentionality—focusing on who God is and who we are in light of that reality. Over the course of 52 reflections there are opportunities for contemplation, calls to action, words of comfort, and reminders of God’s heart for justice. This is a book that I will return to again and again with the expectation of encountering God in fresh ways each time.
In Every Season Sacred readers are invited to journey through the seasons of the year with intentionality—focusing on who God is and who we are in light of that reality. Over the course of 52 reflections there are opportunities for contemplation, calls to action, words of comfort, and reminders of God’s heart for justice. This is a book that I will return to again and again with the expectation of encountering God in fresh ways each time.
July 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much-- the devotionals felt applicable, the scriptures and prayers were grounding, the breath prayers were especially poignant, and I really liked the move through the seasons. I'm trying to be more aware and conscious of the seasons this year, and reading this through the first half of the year helped. I am interested in reading Kayla's first book now as my morning devotional. I hope I remember to come to this one when my children are just a little bit older to do some of the spiritual building work together.
September 17, 2023
This is a beautiful book that every parent can enjoy and use to guide faith formation at home. I love the set up— seasonal devotions- but also the parts that are just for me as a parent and then the devos and questions to share with my family. This actually fits nicely into our dinner time conversations. I love her style of writing! This is such a treasure. I work for a church and will definitely recommend this book to our families.
(I received an early e-book to read for my honest review.)
(I received an early e-book to read for my honest review.)
August 28, 2025
I read this devotional book over the course of a year, doing roughly one devotional per week. It’s arranged with focuses on each of the four seasons, which I really enjoyed! It helped me appreciate different aspects of the seasons and hone in on different spiritual lessons for each one. The author’s content was transparent and thoughtful, and designed to spur discussion amongst a family. This could be a book I revisit in a few years to walk through as a family devotion.
August 18, 2025
As far as a devotional book goes, this has to be one of my favorites. I loved how it was broke into seasons and rhythms of life. It was very thoughtful for parens and applicable to do with kids in the future.
September 18, 2023
Craig's seasonal devotions are ones I am sure I will return to as my family ages and grows. I can see us using the connection questions around the dinner table and the breath prayers as a tool to teach self-regulation. Overall, it is a solid resource.
September 13, 2023
This book is a friend. I have littles at home which make church almost impossible to get to. Kayla has created a space to find pockets of holiness. She gently guides my family through the seasons of the year and seasons of life.
September 17, 2023
I am hoping that Every Season Sacred by Kayla Craig might be the literary handhold that helps us find a family rhythm on our faith journey. Each weekly section has a reflection for grown ups, a scripture passage with reflective questions for the family, a prayer (with options of simple or poetic language) and a breath prayer.
Reasons I think this might work for us:
- there is one entry per week, so that feels like a realistic goal.
- the reflections for the grown ups are thoughtful and identifiable. I know that Kayla is right in the beautiful chaos too.
- the section to share with the family is simple, and invites us to listen to one another and learn together.
- it's follows the seasons in a way that feels grounding and inviting.
- there are no dates on it, so it's guilt free, designed to work with the ups and downs of family life.
Kayla Craig is an authentic and generous companion for the path. We might not manage to lift the book every week, but I know we'll find an invitation to connect with the Divine and one another when we do.
Reasons I think this might work for us:
- there is one entry per week, so that feels like a realistic goal.
- the reflections for the grown ups are thoughtful and identifiable. I know that Kayla is right in the beautiful chaos too.
- the section to share with the family is simple, and invites us to listen to one another and learn together.
- it's follows the seasons in a way that feels grounding and inviting.
- there are no dates on it, so it's guilt free, designed to work with the ups and downs of family life.
Kayla Craig is an authentic and generous companion for the path. We might not manage to lift the book every week, but I know we'll find an invitation to connect with the Divine and one another when we do.
September 13, 2023
"Every Season Sacred" by Kayla Craig is an absolute gem of a book that has touched my heart in more ways than I can express. From cover to cover, it weaves a beautiful tapestry of wisdom, inspiration, and reflection that transcends the boundaries of time and season.
What sets "Every Season Sacred" apart is its profound ability to find the sacred in the ordinary. Kayla reminds us that every season, every day, and every experience is an opportunity to connect with God and find meaning in the mundane. Her insights and personal anecdotes are relatable and thought-provoking, making this book a joy to read and reflect upon. Her thoughtful inclusion of families and children of varying ages makes this book incredibly valuable to someone who wants to lead their sheep and build strong connections to Christ.
In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, "Every Season Sacred" serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, embrace the beauty of the present moment, and find the sacred in the ordinary. It's a book I will return to again and again, finding new insights and inspiration with each reading.
If you're looking for a heartfelt, beautifully written book that celebrates the sacredness of every season of life, "Every Season Sacred" by Kayla Craig is an absolute must-read. It's a treasure that will nourish your spirit and leave you with a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us every day.
What sets "Every Season Sacred" apart is its profound ability to find the sacred in the ordinary. Kayla reminds us that every season, every day, and every experience is an opportunity to connect with God and find meaning in the mundane. Her insights and personal anecdotes are relatable and thought-provoking, making this book a joy to read and reflect upon. Her thoughtful inclusion of families and children of varying ages makes this book incredibly valuable to someone who wants to lead their sheep and build strong connections to Christ.
In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, "Every Season Sacred" serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, embrace the beauty of the present moment, and find the sacred in the ordinary. It's a book I will return to again and again, finding new insights and inspiration with each reading.
If you're looking for a heartfelt, beautifully written book that celebrates the sacredness of every season of life, "Every Season Sacred" by Kayla Craig is an absolute must-read. It's a treasure that will nourish your spirit and leave you with a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us every day.
September 14, 2023
I'll start by saying that we find ourselves in an incredibly difficult season, and my faith has been a bit lackluster. Kayla's book made me cry within the first 100 pages, bringing such a balm and hope to my soul that I didn't even know I needed.
As a neurodivergent person with neurodivergent kids, my life can be very chaotic and haphazard. I have had to let go of many of my expected ideas about what it looks like to grow our faith as a family. Every Season Sacred is an excellent companion to our reality, as it brings a smooth and gentle rhythm to our lives, accompanying us in ways that feel like a kind friend, rather than a heavy taskmaster.
Kayla's book is gorgeous and well-organized. It has encouraging anecdotes about their own faith journey, breath prayers, family prayers, and family discussion questions. I appreciate the routine it sets, and I am thankful to have something so easily laid out that I can use with my family during breakfast or before bed. Those small and vulnerable moments in a day that can easily get shoved to the side can now be used to water our souls and remind each other of the One who is with us always.
Thank you Kayla for sharing your family and heart with ours, for the ways you gently and humbly guide us along still waters. It truly is a gift.
As a neurodivergent person with neurodivergent kids, my life can be very chaotic and haphazard. I have had to let go of many of my expected ideas about what it looks like to grow our faith as a family. Every Season Sacred is an excellent companion to our reality, as it brings a smooth and gentle rhythm to our lives, accompanying us in ways that feel like a kind friend, rather than a heavy taskmaster.
Kayla's book is gorgeous and well-organized. It has encouraging anecdotes about their own faith journey, breath prayers, family prayers, and family discussion questions. I appreciate the routine it sets, and I am thankful to have something so easily laid out that I can use with my family during breakfast or before bed. Those small and vulnerable moments in a day that can easily get shoved to the side can now be used to water our souls and remind each other of the One who is with us always.
Thank you Kayla for sharing your family and heart with ours, for the ways you gently and humbly guide us along still waters. It truly is a gift.
September 20, 2023
It’s here! Every Season Sacred is the work of my friend @kayla_craig and I cannot express how beautiful the hard copy is. I had the honor of being on her launch team, and while my review is a bit late, I am glad I’ve waited until I can physically hold it in my hands.
This book is a resource for parents who want to nurture and guide our children’s faith and to flourish together as a family. Divided into seasons with many pulls from the liturgical calendar, each week provides a devotional for the parent, scripture, breath prayers, family prayers and discussion questions to do as a family. Kayla makes reference to how this book should sit on our bedside table, to be used for years to come, and truly, I cannot wait to walk through the seasons and years with Every Season Sacred as my toolbox. This year, Sam will encounter Jesus in a much simpler way, than in the future. This book is a shepherd through each of those seasons.
Kayla’s prayers are a balm to my soul and this resource is just so accessible to my busy mom heart. I’m just trying my best and Kayla gets that.
Fellow mamas in Christ, please add this to your arsenal.
#everyseasonsacredteam #everyseasonsacred #kaylacraig #liturgiesforparents
This book is a resource for parents who want to nurture and guide our children’s faith and to flourish together as a family. Divided into seasons with many pulls from the liturgical calendar, each week provides a devotional for the parent, scripture, breath prayers, family prayers and discussion questions to do as a family. Kayla makes reference to how this book should sit on our bedside table, to be used for years to come, and truly, I cannot wait to walk through the seasons and years with Every Season Sacred as my toolbox. This year, Sam will encounter Jesus in a much simpler way, than in the future. This book is a shepherd through each of those seasons.
Kayla’s prayers are a balm to my soul and this resource is just so accessible to my busy mom heart. I’m just trying my best and Kayla gets that.
Fellow mamas in Christ, please add this to your arsenal.
#everyseasonsacredteam #everyseasonsacred #kaylacraig #liturgiesforparents
September 11, 2023
Reading through Every Season Sacred has been a gift. Let me first start by letting you know that it’s not a fluffy-feel-good book packed full of worn out Christian platitudes. It is, in fact, the very opposite.
It is a delightful feast, a treasure trove filled with sacred and raw reflections that are meant to probe the sacred and raw inside of you. It is divided into seasonal reflections with questions to engage with individually + as a family.
I have resonated with the words in this book + have been deeply challenged by them. It is a tool of deep spiritual engagement meant to companion you + your family as you navigate how grace filled discipleship can shape your home. I can tell that Kayla intentionally crafted these pages to be a spacious place with room for the Holy Spirit to brood over the words + hearts of the readers.
It comes as no surprise that some of my favorite features of this book are the ways Kayla intentionally weaves Christian contemplative practices throughout—breath prayers, Lectio Divina, the Examen, creating a Rule of Life, etc.
This is a title I will be sure to go back to again and again in the seasons to come 🤍✨
It is a delightful feast, a treasure trove filled with sacred and raw reflections that are meant to probe the sacred and raw inside of you. It is divided into seasonal reflections with questions to engage with individually + as a family.
I have resonated with the words in this book + have been deeply challenged by them. It is a tool of deep spiritual engagement meant to companion you + your family as you navigate how grace filled discipleship can shape your home. I can tell that Kayla intentionally crafted these pages to be a spacious place with room for the Holy Spirit to brood over the words + hearts of the readers.
It comes as no surprise that some of my favorite features of this book are the ways Kayla intentionally weaves Christian contemplative practices throughout—breath prayers, Lectio Divina, the Examen, creating a Rule of Life, etc.
This is a title I will be sure to go back to again and again in the seasons to come 🤍✨
September 14, 2023
𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑 is not a quick read; it is meant to be read slowly--in bits and pieces--over time. It is not designed to be read once and then put on a shelf; it is designed to be referred to over and over again. And it was not written for our entertainment; it was written to encourage, challenge, strengthen, and equip our families to grow in faith and understanding. It was also written to help us parents know that we are not alone in this journey (Praise the Lord!).
It is obvious that much prayer, planning, and care went into the crafting of this book, and I believe that the Lord will use something different to speak to me each time I pick it up and choose a reflection or prayer to read. As a mother of five, I appreciate the intentional come-and-go organization of 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑. There is freedom found in not feeling like I have to sit and read it for hours in order to glean something from it. Even something as simple as picking out one of the "Breath Prayers" to take with me throughout the day can be powerful.
Thank you, Kayla, for putting your heart and soul into this project and for creating a beautiful work that is both relatable and inspirational.
It is obvious that much prayer, planning, and care went into the crafting of this book, and I believe that the Lord will use something different to speak to me each time I pick it up and choose a reflection or prayer to read. As a mother of five, I appreciate the intentional come-and-go organization of 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑. There is freedom found in not feeling like I have to sit and read it for hours in order to glean something from it. Even something as simple as picking out one of the "Breath Prayers" to take with me throughout the day can be powerful.
Thank you, Kayla, for putting your heart and soul into this project and for creating a beautiful work that is both relatable and inspirational.
September 22, 2023
Beautifully written for anyone and everyone. A book that helps us grow in our alone time and as a family through the “rhythms” of life. With the craziness of life, I am reminded who God is in every season.
As I grow in my prayer life, I have enjoyed so many things about this book from the structure of each season, to when structure just doesn’t fit your day-to-day. You can look at the index to help guide you to prayer, God’s word, reflection, and just to breathe in the goodness of God. The discussion questions opened my family up to communicate with each other, and it allowed our kids to share their day-to-day struggles. It helps to remind them of God’s love for them and to seek Him in all seasons of life as well as myself and my husband. And as a family, when we struggle to pray, or aren’t familiar with how or what to pray, the author provides beautiful prayer prompts.
I have also enjoyed that there are two parts to each short chapter, one for you to read alone, and one to share with your family. The joy of knowing the Lord through every season and reflecting by ourselves, allows me to share with my family.
This is a book that will be passed down to our children, whether it be a brand new copy or the first copy we shared as a family. Also, hoping to order a few additional copies for family and friends!
As I grow in my prayer life, I have enjoyed so many things about this book from the structure of each season, to when structure just doesn’t fit your day-to-day. You can look at the index to help guide you to prayer, God’s word, reflection, and just to breathe in the goodness of God. The discussion questions opened my family up to communicate with each other, and it allowed our kids to share their day-to-day struggles. It helps to remind them of God’s love for them and to seek Him in all seasons of life as well as myself and my husband. And as a family, when we struggle to pray, or aren’t familiar with how or what to pray, the author provides beautiful prayer prompts.
I have also enjoyed that there are two parts to each short chapter, one for you to read alone, and one to share with your family. The joy of knowing the Lord through every season and reflecting by ourselves, allows me to share with my family.
This is a book that will be passed down to our children, whether it be a brand new copy or the first copy we shared as a family. Also, hoping to order a few additional copies for family and friends!
September 11, 2023
Kayla writes with such authenticity and care for her readers. As a parent, I consider this book by Kayla another win! The book is divided into the four seasons and includes important times in the liturgical calendar. (You can start reading in whichever season you are currently in when you get the book!) She provides a short story from her parenting journey and ties it to both scripture and the season. Then she gives short bible verses and questions to ponder together as a family each week as well as two prayer options, one for older and younger children.
This is going to be so special to do together with my family each week over the course of the next year. It’s such an unintimidating way to start intentionally reading the Bible together with my young children and have a specific scripture to ground each week as I parent.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your faith journey/church (or lack of) journey/parenting journey, Kayla writes in such a gentle and inclusive way that this book will be able to meet parents wherever they are!
This is going to be so special to do together with my family each week over the course of the next year. It’s such an unintimidating way to start intentionally reading the Bible together with my young children and have a specific scripture to ground each week as I parent.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your faith journey/church (or lack of) journey/parenting journey, Kayla writes in such a gentle and inclusive way that this book will be able to meet parents wherever they are!
September 12, 2023
Every Season Sacred does exactly what the title states, “invitations to nourish your soul and nurture your family throughout the year”. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book AND am using the text as a discussion starter with a parenting group I am part of at church. The 20 or so parents have related to the joy and exhaustion of parenting. The class has appreciated the honestly of Kayla Craig and her sharing her journey as a parent, which has allowed parents in the class to honestly share their own journeys. There have been laughter and tears, but a community is being built in this Sunday school class and I believe a big part of this community building is because of the trust being formed as we discuss various chapters of the book. I love the seasonal aspect of the book. One can start at any place in the book (we began with the last few sections of summer and will move into fall soon)
I’m so grateful this book is available. It is an amazing resource for families and congregations.
I’m so grateful this book is available. It is an amazing resource for families and congregations.
September 20, 2023
What a beautiful book, from cover to cover and every page in between. Well done, @kayla_craig . Having personally moved into a more liturgical spiritual practice over the past couple of years, the reflective readings, prompts, scriptures, breath prayers, and paralleled family prayers you have brought together into this holy work have brought me encouragement and hope. There is a peace and comfort that comes when reading from a prayer book, knowing that somewhere in this big creation, members of my spiritual family are praying the same words, in unity and with gratitude. I love that you, so intuitively, sectioned this book into seasons, as so much of our day to day family rhythms are shaped by the seasons, both figuratively and literally. If you are looking for a solid resource to help you gain some structure in your prayer practice, parenting wisdom, and possibly even a sense of belonging as a Christ following parent in an ever changing world, look no further - Every Season Sacred is for you.
August 25, 2023
Kayla's warm, welcoming, winsome new book is chock full of beautiful, honest essays about family life and faith. Her warm-hearted invitation to come as you are into the lovely pages caused my breath to slow, my heart to stop racing, my RPMs to drop. As a mom to adult kids, the years drop away as I read Kayla's essays and I find myself nodding in agreement, chuckling in recognition, and tearing up a bit with tender memories. What I would have given to have a book like this on my bedside when all my kiddos were under my roof and I often felt - even as a pastor - over my head when it came to embedding faith in the everyday hustle and bustle of our busy life. The prayers - one to pray with our kids, and one for adults - are gorgeous. The questions promise to bring laughter and good conversation to our tables or bedsides or carpools. I could not recommend this book more - for moms and dads, aunts and uncles and grandparents. What Kayla has created here is the purest of gifts.
September 11, 2023
“Every Season Sacred” by Kayla Craig has become an instant favorite that I will revisit again and again. Craig writes with a poetic and eloquent style that is both comforting and compelling.
Her reflections resonate with the most tender parts of our hearts as she discusses the hard and holy work of parenting. She does not shy away from discussing the difficult or the mundane and gives a voice to the very real fears and doubts we all experience. But she also does such a beautiful job of reminding us to return to awe and wonder time and time again, both for our children and for the Child of God we were born to be as well.
You will feel seen and understood in her stories. The questions and prayers are a great way to go deeper and something that can be revisited and reflected upon with little ones.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is a lovely resource full of empathy and encouragement for every heart in every season.
Her reflections resonate with the most tender parts of our hearts as she discusses the hard and holy work of parenting. She does not shy away from discussing the difficult or the mundane and gives a voice to the very real fears and doubts we all experience. But she also does such a beautiful job of reminding us to return to awe and wonder time and time again, both for our children and for the Child of God we were born to be as well.
You will feel seen and understood in her stories. The questions and prayers are a great way to go deeper and something that can be revisited and reflected upon with little ones.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is a lovely resource full of empathy and encouragement for every heart in every season.
September 13, 2023
I can't put words together beautifully like this author can, but if you are looking for an encouraging, supportive, maybe even slightly challenging read to add to your spiritual walk, this is a book I would highly recommend.
Kayla Craig has put together this book of weekly centering reflections. Each week includes a reflection, scripture to read, a breath prayer, family discussion questions, and a family prayer. There are also thoughts and seasonal introductions placed throughout that only add to the flow of the book. The weekly chapters can be done on your own, with your family, or a little of both.
She doesn't back down from hard discussions. She talks about real life as a parent, the joys and struggles included. The reflections feel like a talk over coffee with someone who has been there and is unafraid to walk with you through it all.
If you are a parent who is longing for spiritual guidance and inspiration, I would highly recommend that you pick up this book!
Kayla Craig has put together this book of weekly centering reflections. Each week includes a reflection, scripture to read, a breath prayer, family discussion questions, and a family prayer. There are also thoughts and seasonal introductions placed throughout that only add to the flow of the book. The weekly chapters can be done on your own, with your family, or a little of both.
She doesn't back down from hard discussions. She talks about real life as a parent, the joys and struggles included. The reflections feel like a talk over coffee with someone who has been there and is unafraid to walk with you through it all.
If you are a parent who is longing for spiritual guidance and inspiration, I would highly recommend that you pick up this book!
September 15, 2023
“Our children must meet God in the reality of their own lives and experiences.” -Kayla Craig
Every Season Sacred has filled my mind, heart, and soul with joy, has given me pause for thought, and has expressed the words my heart needed to hear and want to say.
Kayla weaves her own personal experiences and stories alongside wisdom from others and scripture. Each story, each gift of wisdom, each word…they point us to the beauty of this life given to us by the Creator of everything. They remind us that beauty is found in each season of the year and in every season of life and parenthood.
The reminders of having childlike faith, of supporting our children as they grow, and of being parents who seek Jesus were so timely. The breath prayers, family prayers, and scriptures to read provide practical tools and resources for parents in any stage of parenthood.
This is a work of heart that I cannot wait to read again and again.
Every Season Sacred has filled my mind, heart, and soul with joy, has given me pause for thought, and has expressed the words my heart needed to hear and want to say.
Kayla weaves her own personal experiences and stories alongside wisdom from others and scripture. Each story, each gift of wisdom, each word…they point us to the beauty of this life given to us by the Creator of everything. They remind us that beauty is found in each season of the year and in every season of life and parenthood.
The reminders of having childlike faith, of supporting our children as they grow, and of being parents who seek Jesus were so timely. The breath prayers, family prayers, and scriptures to read provide practical tools and resources for parents in any stage of parenthood.
This is a work of heart that I cannot wait to read again and again.
September 19, 2023
Every Season Sacred is a must read for Christian families. It walks through each season of the year, with 13 reflections for each season (one per week). It starts with the fall, to correspond with the beginning of the school year, but you can really start this at any time during the year. Each section starts off with an introduction to that season and a prayer for the season. Each weekly entry consists of a reflection, scripture, breath prayer, family discussion questions and prayers to pray with your children (one version for littles and one for older kids). I love all of the little extras throughout the book, such as prayers through music, excerpts from many of Kayla's prayers from her book To Light Their Way for specific holiday and resources for many days throughout the year. It helps families to see the cyclical nature of the year and the church calendar in their lives. I highly recommend this addition to your library.
March 6, 2025
This book is a special devotional for parents and families. I read it myself as my children are still a bit young to do this as a family. The book is divided into 4 seasons, with 13 reflections for each season. In each reflection, there’s a personal story and lesson, Bible passage, breath prayer, discussion questions for families, and sample prayers (one for older kids and one for younger).
The reflections are written well, and capture both the heart and difficulties of parenting, while pointing you to Jesus and the gospel in a powerful way. It’s down to earth, real, and thoughtful. It really brings God into the everyday experiences of each season in family life.
My one critique is that sometimes the reflections (especially since they’re tied to seasons and thus holidays sometimes) did feel specific to a white American perspective at times. The author does try to focus on some race/social justice issues in a few reflections but then it felt a bit forced.
The reflections are written well, and capture both the heart and difficulties of parenting, while pointing you to Jesus and the gospel in a powerful way. It’s down to earth, real, and thoughtful. It really brings God into the everyday experiences of each season in family life.
My one critique is that sometimes the reflections (especially since they’re tied to seasons and thus holidays sometimes) did feel specific to a white American perspective at times. The author does try to focus on some race/social justice issues in a few reflections but then it felt a bit forced.
September 18, 2023
I found Kayla’s words in 2020 when I most needed for the words of my soul to come out on the page— when I heard she wrote Every Season Sacred, I knew I’d have to have it.
This is the one for me, for my children more words FOR my soul. The pattern of following the seasons makes such sense for the life of the family and it’s integration to the church year. We always say: every thing unto its season. Kayla has written honest reflections, paired with grounding spiritual practices, generous question guides with special attention to developmentally appropriate words for prayers. It’s timeless: not dates but themes that recur in our lives over again.
‘May your family be filled with holy curiosity, divine wonder, and sacred delight.’ What more could I desire for my lovelies than to foster this? ❤️
(I received an e-copy early to provide honest review).
This is the one for me, for my children more words FOR my soul. The pattern of following the seasons makes such sense for the life of the family and it’s integration to the church year. We always say: every thing unto its season. Kayla has written honest reflections, paired with grounding spiritual practices, generous question guides with special attention to developmentally appropriate words for prayers. It’s timeless: not dates but themes that recur in our lives over again.
‘May your family be filled with holy curiosity, divine wonder, and sacred delight.’ What more could I desire for my lovelies than to foster this? ❤️
(I received an e-copy early to provide honest review).
October 4, 2023
2.5 stars.
I love the concept of this book. Liturgy is, well, fabulous, and I'm always on the lookout for ways to incorporate it into life!
I'll admit, being a single adult without kids, I'm probably not the intended audience--and I do think there are absolutely still takeaways I can incorporate into my own everyday life! But the author and I diverge in notable areas on both theology and politics, and I was disappointed in a number of the authors quoted within the read--Richard Rohr, Sue Monk Kidd, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rich Villodas, and other more progressive authors, as well as the _First Nations Version_ of the Bible. (This may encourage some prospective readers to go check it out, heh--or dissuade others.) So ... if you pursue, I recommend discernment, as ever.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love the concept of this book. Liturgy is, well, fabulous, and I'm always on the lookout for ways to incorporate it into life!
I'll admit, being a single adult without kids, I'm probably not the intended audience--and I do think there are absolutely still takeaways I can incorporate into my own everyday life! But the author and I diverge in notable areas on both theology and politics, and I was disappointed in a number of the authors quoted within the read--Richard Rohr, Sue Monk Kidd, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rich Villodas, and other more progressive authors, as well as the _First Nations Version_ of the Bible. (This may encourage some prospective readers to go check it out, heh--or dissuade others.) So ... if you pursue, I recommend discernment, as ever.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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